Typical Lawn Weeds in Ohio | Garden Guides Typical Lawn Weeds in Ohio Typical Lawn Weeds in Ohio Reason for flagging? Submit Typical lawn weeds in Ohio include grass or grass-like weeds and broadleaf. Grass weeds form narrow, upright leaves with parallel veins. Broadleaf weeds develop wide leaves with net-like veins. Annual weeds compete with permanent lawn grass and reduce density. Perennial weeds present more of a challenge to control once they are established because their creeping stems contain buds that produce new growth. Weeds are managed more effectively while they are in the sapling or juvenile stages, according to North Central Region Cooperative Extension Service's Common Weed Seedlings of the North Central States. Crab Grass Crab grass is one of the most common lawn weeds in Ohio, and as the name implies, it belongs to the grass family, Gramineae. The spring annual forms a clump in thin areas of the yard and spreads by shallow roots. The coarse, textured leaves turn purple, then die in the fall after releasing their seed. Look for spiked flower heads to emerge from the center of the clump in mid-July. The flower heads bear large quantities of seed that germinate the next spring if left unchecked.

Treat crabgrass before it germinates with a pre-emergent herbicide. Dandelion Dandelion takes its name from the French phrase Dent de lion, or lion's tooth, and it belongs to the Compositae family. The perennial grows in thin spots of the lawn and those that have been cut too short. Dandelion's broad, jagged leaves often blend with the grass until a bright, yellow bloom appears on its milk-storing stem. Get rid of the weed by clipping the root, the plant's energy store. The weed rushes to recover the lost growth and taps energy from the root in the process. Continued clipping exhausts the plant's energy. Canada Thistle Canada thistle is not native to Ohio, but it is naturalized in 58 of the state's 88 counties, according to the Ohio Biennial and Perennial Weed Guide. Like dandelion, Canada thistle belongs to Compositae, which means that it is not a true grass or grass-like weed, but a broadleaf. This prickly leaved plant spreads by a creeping root system and seed. Each lavender flower holds up to 5,000 seeds.

Apply a selective herbicide designed for broadleaf weeds to eliminate Canada thistle. Foxtail Three members of the Setaria family grow in Ohio: giant foxtail, green foxtail and yellow foxtail. The seed head of all three annual varieties looks like the tail of a fox, but each type demonstrates different characteristics. Giant foxtail forms leaves with many small hairs on the leaf blades and the seed head tends to droop when mature. Green foxtail produces smooth leaf blades and the seed head remains only loosely erect. Yellow foxtail possesses long, wiry hair, where the leaf blade and sheath meet. The seed head stands erect. The stem flattens out and the base develops a reddish-brown color. Who Can Help To some, a weed; to others, a remedy - latimes To some, a weed; to others, a remedy July 19, 2004 |Elena Conis In North America, dandelions are regarded as a weed, but the hardy flower's leaves, petals and roots have been used medicinally in Europe and Asia since the 10th century.

In some parts of Europe, the leaves -- packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, potassium, lutein and iron -- are a popular vegetable and salad ingredient. The flower takes its name from the French words for lion's tooth (dent de lion) because of the ragged edges of the plant's leaves. * Uses: Many supplement manufacturers market dandelion as a liver tonic. In Asian and folk medicine, dandelion is used in efforts to treat tuberculosis, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, hemorrhoids, rheumatism, eczema and diabetes; induce milk production in nursing mothers; and increase appetite. Dose: Usually 250 to 500 milligrams, 10 to 15 drops, or one cup of tea up to three times a day. Dandelion tea is made using a tablespoon of crushed dandelion leaves per cup of boiling water. Dandelion is paired with goldenseal or milk thistle in many supplements sold as detoxifiers. Precautions: Dandelion can cause heartburn and upset stomach. It is not recommended for people with gallstones because it stimulates bile production.

In people sensitive to flowers in the daisy family, dandelion may cause skin irritation or hives. Research: Laboratory tests on rats and mice show that dandelion can act as a diuretic and may increase appetite. Rigorous scientific research on the flower's medicinal powers in humans is extremely limited. Dietary supplement makers are not required by the U.S. government to demonstrate that their products are safe or effective. Ask your healthcare provider for advice on selecting a brand. * Dandelion Meaning & Symbolism | Flower Meanings Email Dandelion Meaning & Symbolism You wander into the yard that was, what seemed just a moment ago, perfectly green only to find it dotted with pats of butter-yellow flowers. This rather simple, unassuming weed has been the bane of many gardeners for decades, but really they offer much more than first meets the eye. One thing you may not know is that dandelions are edible – the leaves make great salads and the heads go into wines among other things. So when you want to internalize a little nature, nibble on the dandelion and enjoy her endurance.

The only caution is make sure your flowers have not been treated with chemicals (dandelions don’t seem to mind much, but your tummy will). Dandelion spirit is another harbinger of spring – one that brings a smile to our faces and youthful thoughts. Remembering picking a seeded flower and making a wish? A simple bit of wind or blowing on it took those hundreds of seeds with your desire to all corners of creation. To this day, Dandelion still reminds us that wishes have power, but they also come with responsibility. We have said this before: Nature spirits may be capricious. They don’t operate exactly like humans do, which also makes them a lot of fun. Dandelion’s favorite saying is “expect the unexpected.” Around the globe dandelions symbolize happiness, simple joys, good companions and the presence of our inner child who often forgets to play. It is interesting to note that people still appreciated this pedaled friend enough in the 1800s to make room for them in gardens by removing – egad – grass! They recognized it as a part of the healer’s kit and a plant that made for an excellent dye base among other things.

In all this, Dandelion represents something important: those little things we think are irritating may have tremendous value. Go back and take a second look. For being a very recognizable studies show that dandelion is one of the plants that people don’t really think about except when they mow the lawn. There’s unpretentiousness about this magic flower that’s humbling. Do you know that Dandelions flower longer than many other plants in their environment? They represent staying power in a visible way. What would it be like to have an entire carpet of Dandelion for a lawn against evergreen trees and tulips? Stunning comes to mind. Metaphysically Dandelion also has gypsy feet. She is quite the traveler – taking her seeds as much as five miles from the originating plant. When you’re looking to cut apron strings and take to the road, following where the winds lead you, this is the plant spirit from whom to get insight. Crystal Connections for Dandelion: Quartz (the power of attraction); Rainbow Quartz. Citrine Dandelion Meaning Table of Contents Back to Flower Meanings Dandelion Color Meanings It is impossible not to notice the bright yellow flowers of Dandelions.

It as if they’re smiling at you when they open, bring with that blossom the energy of pure delight. Take your shoes off! Run! Play with the flowers. They love a little whimsy. While Dandelion has other elemental and celestial correspondences that we will touch on here, it’s impossible to overlook the Solar element, which also connects to the third chakra. Meditate with a single dandelion right on your solar plexis to facilitate will and bravery along with a healthy positive outlook. Dandelion Dreams Dreaming of Dandelions is a good sign particularly for a relationship. It may also act as a symbol of contentment or getting in touch with your inner child. You can learn more about the appearance of flowers in your dream by reviewing our dream dictionary. Dandelion In The Victorian Language of Flowers Dandelion takes its name from a French term “dent de lion”. This refereed to the way the leaves are pointed and look a bit like a lion’s tooth. If Lion is King of the Jungle, and Rose the Queen of the Garden, Dandelion is Princess of the lawn. In the Victorian Language of flowers she represents Oracles, Joy and faithfulness.

Aromatherapy and Alternative Medicine If you have problems with pollen allergies Dandelion is counter-indicated. However, it does have a lot of natural petal power for those looking for Natural Alternatives. The plant has natural diuretic and laxative qualities that are easy on the stomach. It’s also a great vitamin boost for the body, having lots of vitamins and minerals that support kidney function. You can make dandelion root into an external treatment for mild skin irritation, leaving it on the affected area for about 15 minutes. For those with freckles or aging spots, the flowers made into a lotion help bleach those spots out. Dandelion tea has proven effective for combating acne. Dandelion leaves applied to the skin improve circulation. Dandelion Spiritual Meanings & Metaphysical Correspondences Perhaps one of the first magic spells a child learns by way of folk tradition is using Dandelion for various types of sympathetic magic. They call it a nursery rhyme or don’t even have words for it, but like the Daisy learning ͞who loves me͟ is but one way the Dandelion became associated with divination.

They’re lunar correlation in seed form lead to their use in weather magic, and drinking a tea of Dandelion is said to improve your ability to prognosticate. The Ma’at Tarot has dandelion as the 9 of cups. The imagery shows someone blowing on the seeded head of a Dandelion when the field in front of them is already packed full. This ties directly to Dandelion’s spirit in terms of granting wishes but also reminds us that if we’re not careful – our wishes may come true in ways we hadn’t anticipated. Dandelion Superstitions: Being such a common flower it’s not surprising to find a lot of superstitions growing up around this Flower Spirit. The tallest Dandelion found by a child in spring portended how tall he or she would grow that year. When you make a wish, some seeds remaining on the stalk reflect good luck The dandelion symbolizes the sun (its golden head), the moon (the puffy white seed) and the stars (when they blow to the winds). This is part of the reason it’s associated with wishing. Dandelions open their petals at morning to greet then sun, then close at night to sleep.

If bad weather is coming plant Dandelion at the northwest corner of your property for protection Dandelion in a wedding bouquet assures the couple of good fortune If you hold a dandelion under your chin and your skin looks gold, it’s an omen of wealth. Dandelion Numerology In reviewing various systems for Numerology there seems to be some disparagement about exactly what number applies to Dandelion. For the purpose of this writing, we have gone with straight letter-by-letter values, resulting in a 6. 6 represents symmetry, kindness, compassion, harmony and community. Community pops out with Dandelion as they always seem to have plenty of companions in the yard. In terms of equilibrium, the head of a dandelion has beautiful proportions that spin outward evenly drawing in those with a youthful heart or spirit who dare to dream. Dandelion History The roots of the mystical Dandelion reach far back into history. Ancient Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Japanese and the Chinese alike have employed these plants in a variety of ways for thousands of years. So much is the case that even the best botanist would be hard-pressed to give a specific origin and history for this flower.

It is as if it has always been here, and plans to remain so. An interesting fact that our ancestors seem to recognize that we do not (or did not) is that this pretty weed is actually good for your soil. It roots reaching down to 15’ decrease erosion, aerate the soil and act as a natural fertilizer. Perhaps this is why they survive so much – they not only adapt but help the community of nature around them at the same time. There’s a folktale of unknown origin that begins with an Angel who presided over all flowers on the Earth. She came looking to different blossoming spirits asking them where they wished to live. The tulip wanted a castle garden where a princess could fawn over her. The rose wanted a castle for climbing on the walls where she could be safe. Answers like these made the Angel very sad until she finally found the Dandelion who replied that she would be happy anywhere children could find her – playing in the fields, making my way through stones, roadsides – anywhere she could bring a smile. Because of this the Angel blessed her with a long growing season and designated it as the ͞child’s͟ flower.

Featured Articles about Eczema - Page 4 - latimes FEATURED ARTICLES ABOUT ECZEMA - PAGE 4 HEALTH The raw milk debate rages on March 2, 2009 | Elena Conis More and more consumers are forgoing standard milk in favor of "raw" milk, milk that's unpasteurized and unhomogenized, essentially straight from the udder of the cow. Some seek out raw milk for its reportedly creamier, richer taste, but more choose it because they believe it's more healthful, a "living" food that can help fend off many illnesses, as varied as allergies and cancer. Advertisement Too many babies start eating solid foods too soon, CDC study says March 25, 2013 | By Karen Kaplan Four out of 10 mothers surveyed began feeding their infants solid food when they were only 4 months old and their still-developing bodies weren't able to process it -- and more than half the moms said they had been advised to do so by a medical professional. Those are the findings of a survey released Monday by the journal Pediatrics.

Considering that the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology all recommend that parents wait to introduce solid food until their babies are about 6 months old, the results suggest that many parents -- along with the doctors and nurses they rely on -- are woefully out of step with the latest medical advice. Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent questionnaires to thousands of pregnant women and invited them to take part in the Infant Feeding Practices Study II . Then they checked in with them when their babies were 2, 3 and 4 months old. The responses included in the Pediatrics study were from 1,334 mothers. Overall, 539 of those mothers -- or 40.4% -- said they started feeding their babies solid food before they turned 4 months old. Those foods included yogurt, tofu, infant cereal, fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, eggs, fish, chicken, meat and even French fries. Mothers who had been feeding their babies formula were especially likely to introduce solid foods before the four-month mark,...

BUSINESS Company Searches World Over to Discover New Drugs August 12, 1996 | From Reuters At first glance, the barren steppes of Mongolia and the steamy jungles of the Amazon seem to have little to offer modern medicine when compared with the West's high-tech research laboratories. But one British firm is making an unlikely success out of shunning the latter in favor of trawling the world's remotest areas in search of new drugs. SCIENCE 4% of kids have food allergies November 17, 2009 | Shari Roan The number of children who have food allergies is not only increasing, it now encompasses 4% of all kids in the United States, according to an analysis of four large, national surveys published Monday in the journal Pediatrics. The study -- the first to make a broad estimate about the prevalence of food allergies among U.S. children -- supports previous studies suggesting that allergy rates are rising rapidly, for reasons that are unclear. Government researchers found that self-reported food allergies increased 18% between 1997 and 2007. HOME & GARDEN Fighting Kid Germs With . . .

Germs April 3, 1999 | ASSOCIATED PRESS Some parents wage an all-out war against dirt and germs. They wipe down the kitchen counter with an antibacterial sponge, scrub the bathtub with an antibacterial cleanser, stock every sink with antibacterial soap and carry antibacterial hand gel in a handbag or glove compartment. Keeping kids clean seems a smart strategy, especially in a world where flesh-eating, fever-causing, rash-raising, antibiotic-resistant germs run rampant. HEALTH The shallow waters of dolphin therapy claims July 18, 2011 | By Chris Woolston, Special to the Los Angeles Times Dolphins are some of the most charming, charismatic and entertaining animals in the ocean. Adding to their mystique, they have gained a reputation for their supposed healing powers over the last couple of decades. Facilities scattered around the world offer various forms of dolphin-assisted therapy for people with mental and physical ailments. Essentially, it's an expensive opportunity to swim with dolphins. Parents of children with severe autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy or other disabilities spend thousands of dollars on such dolphin-based treatments in hopes that the animals can reach their kids in ways that psychiatrists, physical therapists or medications never could.

HEALTH To some, a weed; to others, a remedy July 19, 2004 | Elena Conis In North America, dandelions are regarded as a weed, but the hardy flower's leaves, petals and roots have been used medicinally in Europe and Asia since the 10th century. In some parts of Europe, the leaves -- packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, potassium, lutein and iron -- are a popular vegetable and salad ingredient. The flower takes its name from the French words for lion's tooth (dent de lion) because of the ragged edges of the plant's leaves. HEALTH Toxic vine used as an arthritis remedy July 12, 2004 | Elena Conis Carefully prepared root extracts of thunder god vine (known scientifically as Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F) have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years to treat psoriasis, lupus, eczema and leprosy.

The plant's highly poisonous leaves, flowers and root skin gave the woody vine the nickname qi bu si, or "seven steps to death." But modern research suggests that with the poisons removed, the plant's roots may offer an effective remedy for autoimmune diseases. HEALTH Used topically, chickweed may stop the sting February 28, 2005 | Elena Conis The dense, low-lying chickweed is notorious for choking out grass in lawns across the United States. The tiny starburst-shaped white flowers it boasts in spring are responsible for some of its other names: Stellaria media and starweed. Chickweed is native to Europe, where its leaves (packed with vitamin C, flavonoids and carotenoids) have long been eaten as a salad green, used as poultry feed and dried to make tea. HEALTH Horse chestnut may aid circulation March 8, 2004 | Elena Conis Horse chestnut trees are native to the mountains of the Middle East and Balkans but are now grown worldwide. Some horse chestnut supplements are made from the tree's dried leaves and nut oil, but if there's any medicinal power in the plant, it's in the nuts themselves.

Fresh and unprocessed, the nuts contain poisonous components (unlike edible chestnuts), but preparations made from the dried nuts have been used for centuries in Europe to treat a variety of conditions. A Modern Herbal | Dandelion [ Top ] ---Parts Used Medicinally--- The root, fresh and dried, the young tops. All parts of the plant contain a somewhat bitter, milky juice (latex), but the juice of the root being still more powerful is the part of the plant most used for medicinal purposes. ---History--- The first mention of the Dandelion as a medicine is in the works of the Arabian physicians of the tenth and eleventh centuries, who speak of it as a sort of wild Endive, under the name of Taraxcacon. In this country, we find allusion to it in the Welsh medicines of the thirteenth century. Dandelion was much valued as a medicine in the times of Gerard and Parkinson, and is still extensively employed. Dandelion roots have long been largely used on the Continent, and the plant is cultivated largely in India as a remedy for liver complaints.

The root is perennial and tapering, simple or more or less branched, attaining in a good soil a length of a foot or more and 1/2 inch to an inch in diameter. Old roots divide at the crown into several heads. The root is fleshy and brittle, externally of a dark brown, internally white and abounding in an inodorous milky juice of bitter, but not disagreeable taste. Only large, fleshy and well-formed roots should be collected, from plants two years old, not slender, forked ones. Roots produced in good soil are easier to dig up without breaking, and are thicker and less forked than those growing on waste places and by the roadside. Collectors should, therefore only dig in good, free soil, in moisture and shade, from meadow-land. Dig up in wet weather, but not during frost, which materially lessens the activity of the roots. Avoid breaking the roots, using a long trowel or a fork, lifting steadily and carefully.

Shake off as much of the earth as possible and then cleanse the roots, the easiest way being to leave them in a basket in a running stream so that the water covers them, for about an hour, or shake them, bunched, in a tank of clean water. Cut off the crowns of leaves, but be careful in so doing not to leave any scales on the top. Do not cut or slice the roots or the valuable milky juice on which their medicinal value depends will be wasted by bleeding. [ Top ] ---Cultivation--- As only large, well-formed roots are worth collecting, some people prefer to grow Dandelions as a crop, as by this means large roots are insured and they are more easily dug, generally being ploughed up. About 4 lb. of seed to the acre should be allowed, sown in drills, 1 foot apart. The crops should be kept clean by hoeing, and all flower-heads should be picked off as soon as they appear, as otherwise the grower's own land and that of his neighbours will be smothered with the weed when the seeds ripen. The yield should be 4 or 5 tons of fresh roots to the acre in the second year.

Dandelion roots shrink very much in drying, losing about 76 per cent of their weight, so that 100 parts of fresh roots yield only about 22 parts of dry material. Under favourable conditions, yields at the rate of 1,000 to 1,500 lb. of dry roots per acre have been obtained from second-year plants cultivated. Dandelion root can only be economically collected when a meadow in which it is abundant is ploughed up. Under such circumstances the roots are necessarily of different ages and sizes, the seeds sowing themselves in successive years. The roots then collected after washing and drying, have to be sorted into different grades. The largest, from the size of a lead pencil upwards, are cut into straight pieces 2 to 3 inches long, the smaller side roots being removed, these are sold at a higher price as the finest roots. The smaller roots fetch a less price, and the trimmings are generally cut small, sold at a lower price and used for making Dandelion Coffee. Every part of the root is thus used. The root before being dried should have every trace of the leaf-bases removed as their presence lessens the value of the root.

In collecting cultivated Dandelion advantage is obtained if the seeds are all sown at one time, as greater uniformity in the size of the root is obtainable, and in deep soil free from stones, the seedlings will produce elongated, straight roots with few branches, especially if allowed to be somewhat crowded on the same principles that coppice trees produce straight trunks. Time is also saved in digging up the roots which can thus be sold at prices competing with those obtained as the result of cheaper labour on the Continent. The edges of fields when room is allowed for the plough-horses to turn, could easily be utilized if the soil is good and free from stones for both Dandelion and Burdock, as the roots are usually much branched in stony ground, and the roots are not generally collected until October when the harvest is over. The roots gathered in this month have stored up their food reserve of Inulin, and when dried present a firm appearance, whilst if collected in spring, when the food reserve in the root is used up for the leaves and flowers, the dried root then presents a shrivelled and porous appearance which renders it unsaleable. The medicinal properties of the root are, therefore, necessarily greater in proportion in the spring.

Inulin being soluble in hot water, the solid extract if made by boiling the root, often contains a large quantity of it, which is deposited in the extract as it cools. The roots are generally dried whole, but the largest ones may sometimes be cut transversely into pieces 3 to 6 inches long. Collected wild roots are, however, seldom large enough to necessitate cutting. Drying will probably take about a fortnight. When finished, the roots should be hard and brittle enough to snap, and the inside of the roots white, not grey The roots should be kept in a dry place after drying, to avoid mould, preferably in tins to prevent the attacks of moths and beetles. Dried Dandelion is exceedingly liable to the attacks of maggots and should not be kept beyond one season. Dried Dandelion root is 1/2 inch or less in thickness, dark brown, shrivelled, with wrinkles running lengthwise, often in a spiral direction; when quite dry, it breaks easily with a short, corky fracture, showing a very thick, white bark, surrounding a wooden column. The latter is yellowish, very porous, without pith or rays.

A rather broad but indistinct cambium zone separates the wood from the bark, which latter exhibits numerous well-defined, concentric layers, due to the milk vessels. This structure is quite characteristic and serves to distinguish Dandelion roots from other roots like it. There are several flowers easily mistaken for the Dandelion when in blossom, but these have either hairy leaves or branched flower-stems, and the roots differ either in structure or shape. Dried Dandelion root somewhat resembles Pellitory and Liquorice roots, but Pellitory differs in having oil glands and also a large radiate wood, and Liquorice has also a large radiate wood and a sweet taste. The root of Hawkbit (Leontodon hispidus) is sometimes substituted for Dandelion root. It is a plant with hairy, not smooth leaves, and the fresh root is tough, breaking with difficulty and rarely exuding much milky juice. Some kinds of Dock have also been substituted, and also Chicory root. The latter is of a paler colour, more bitter and has the laticiferous vessels in radiating lines. In the United States it is often substituted for Dandelion.

Dock roots have a prevailing yellowish colour and an astringent taste. During recent years, a small form of a Dandelion root has been offered by Russian firms, who state that it is sold and used as Dandelion in that country. This root is always smaller than the root of T. officinale, has smaller flowers, and the crown of the root has often a tuft of brown woolly hairs between the leaf bases at the crown of the root, which are never seen in the Dandelion plant in this country, and form a characteristic distinction, for the root shows similar concentric, horny rings in the thick white bark as well as a yellow porous woody centre. These woolly hairs are mentioned in Greenish's Materia Medica, and also in the British Pharmaceutical Codex, as a feature of Dandelion root, but no mention is made of them in the Pharmacographia, nor in the British Pharmacopceia or United States Pharmacopceia, and it is probable, therefore, that Russian specimens have been used for describing the root, and that the root with brown woolly hairs belongs to some other species of Taraxacum.

[ Top ] ---Chemical Constituents--- The chief constituents of Dandelion root are Taraxacin, acrystalline, bitter substance, of which the yield varies in roots collected at different seasons, and Taraxacerin, an acrid resin, with Inulin (a sort of sugar which replaces starch in many of the Dandelion family, Compositae), gluten, gum and potash. The root contains no starch, but early in the year contains much uncrystallizable sugar and laevulin, which differs from Inulin in being soluble in cold water. This diminishes in quantity during the summer and becomes Inulin in the autumn. The root may contain as much as 24 per cent. In the fresh root, the Inulin is present in the cell-sap, but in the dry root it occurs as an amorphodus, transparent solid, which is only slightly soluble in cold water, but soluble in hot water. There is a difference of opinion as to the best time for collecting the roots.

The British Pharmacopceia considers the autumn dug root more bitter than the spring root, and that as it contains about 25 per cent insoluble Inulin, it is to be preferred on this account to the spring root, and it is, therefore, directed that in England the root should be collected between September and February, it being considered to be in perfection for Extract making in the month of November. Bentley, on the other hand, contended that it is more bitter in March and most of all in July, but that as in the latter month it would generally be inconvenient for digging it, it should be dug in the spring, when the yield of Taraxacin, the bitter soluble principle, is greatest. On account of the variability of the constituents of the plant according to the time of year when gathered, the yield and composition of the extract are very variable. If gathered from roots collected in autumn, the resulting product yields a turbid solution with water; if from spring-collected roots, the aqueous solution will be clear and yield but very little sediment on standing, because of the conversion of the Inulin into Laevulose and sugar at this active period of the plant's life.

In former days, Dandelion Juice was the favourite preparation both in official and domestic medicine. Provincial druggists sent their collectors for the roots and expressed the juice while these were quite fresh. Many country druggists prided themselves on their Dandelion Juice. The most active preparations of Dandelion, the Juice (Succus Taraxaci) and the Extract (Extractum Taraxaci), are made from the bruised fresh root. The Extract prepared from the fresh root is sometimes almost devoid of bitterness. The dried root alone was official in the United States Pharmacopoeia. The leaves are not often used, except for making Herb-Beer, but a medicinal tincture is sometimes made from the entire plant gathered in the early summer. It is made with proof spirit. When collecting the seeds care should be taken when drying them in the sun, to cover them with coarse muslin, as otherwise the down will carry them away. They are best collected in the evening, towards sunset, or when the damp air has caused the heads to close up. The tops should be cut on a dry day, when quite free of rain or dew, and all insect-eaten or stained leaves rejected.

[ Top ] ---Medicinal Action and Uses--- Diuretic, tonic and slightly aperient. It is a general stimulant to the system, but especially to the urinary organs, and is chiefly used in kidney and liver disorders. Dandelion is not only official but is used in many patent medicines. Not being poisonous, quite big doses of its preparations may be taken. Its beneficial action is best obtained when combined with other agents. The tincture made from the tops may be taken in doses of 10 to 15 drops in a spoonful of water, three times daily. It is said that its use for liver complaints was assigned to the plant largely on the doctrine of signatures, because of its bright yellow flowers of a bilious hue. In the hepatic complaints of persons long resident in warm climates, Dandelion is said to afford very marked relief. A broth of Dandelion roots, sliced and stewed in boiling water with some leaves of Sorrel and the yolk of an egg, taken daily for some months, has been known to cure seemingly intractable cases of chronic liver congestion.

A strong decoction is found serviceable in stone and gravel: the decoction may be made by boiling 1 pint of the sliced root in 20 parts of water for 15 minutes, straining this when cold and sweetening with brown sugar or honey. A small teacupful may be taken once or twice a day. Dandelion is used as a bitter tonic in atonic dyspepsia, and as a mild laxative in habitual constipation. When the stomach is irritated and where active treatment would be injurious, the decoction or extract of Dandelion administered three or four times a day, will often prove a valuable remedy. It has a good effect in increasing the appetite and promoting digestion. Dandelion combined with other active remedies has been used in cases of dropsy and for induration of the liver, and also on the Continent for phthisis and some cutaneous diseases. A decoction of 2 OZ. of the herb or root in 1 quart of water, boiled down to a pint, is taken in doses of one wineglassful every three hours for scurvy, scrofula, eczema and all eruptions on the surface of the body.

---Dandelion Tea--- Infuse 1 OZ. of Dandelion in a pint of boiling water for 10 minutes; decant, sweeten with honey, and drink several glasses in the course of the day. The use of this tea is efficacious in bilious affections, and is also much approved of in the treatment of dropsy. Or take 2 OZ. of freshly-sliced Dandelion root, and boil in 2 pints of water until it comes to 1 pint; then add 1 OZ. of compound tincture of Horseradish. Dose, from 2 to 4 OZ. Use in a sluggish state of the liver. Or 1 OZ. Dandelion root, 1 OZ. Black Horehound herb, 1/2 OZ. Sweet Flag root, 1/4 OZ. Mountain Flax. Simmer the whole in 3 pints of water down to 1 1/2 pint, strain and take a wineglassful after meals for biliousness and dizziness. ---For Gall Stones--- 1 OZ. Dandelion root, 1 OZ.

Parsley root, 1 OZ. Balm herb, 1/2 OZ. Ginger root, 1/2 OZ. Liquorice root. Place in 2 quarts of water and gently simmer down to 1 quart, strain and take a wineglassful every two hours. For a young child suffering from jaundice: 1 OZ. Dandelion root, 1/2 oz. Ginger root, 1/2 oz. Caraway seed, 1/2 oz. Cinnamon bark, 1/4 oz. Senna leaves. Gently boil in 3 pints of water down to 1 1/2 pint, strain, dissolve 1/2 lb. sugar in hot liquid, bring to a boil again, skim all impurities that come to the surface when clear, put on one side to cool, and give frequently in teaspoonful doses. Plant History how Dandelions came to North America | Actforlibraries.org Paleontology Plant History how Dandelions came to North America Everyone knows the tough and determined dandelion.

The Taraxacum officinale, or the common dandelion, is undoubtedly the most easily recognizable plant in America. It makes its home from coast to coast, and, depending on how you feel about it, it is either seen as a persistent, invasive weed, or a beneficial, lovely, little yellow flower. Every year, gardeners spend time and money trying to rid their lawns of dandelions. Perennial, easily grown, hearty, and tolerant of almost any weather, they bloom at a moment’s notice, and spread across a field or lawn overnight. The dandelion is known for its distinctive three to twelve inch long leaves with a well defined tooth, the yellow head, composed of hundreds of individual rays, and the fluffy round white seed head, which is easily blown away and dispersed by the wind. According to tradition, the dandelion, a native of Europe and Asia, takes its name from several sources, possibly stemming from an ancient Greek word, leontodon, or lion’s tooth. It may also come from the French word dent-de-lion, which means the same thing.

The official term, Taraxacum officinale, originated from the Greek words, taraxos and akos, which mean disorde and remedy. The second word, officinale indicates that it is used in the treatment of various ailments. Tradition also has it that the first dandelions were brought to the U.S. mainland as a means of providing nectar to honey bees. However, since, dandelion seeds grow so prolifically, it could have made the ocean crossing in any number of ways. Since it has been on the American continent since the 17th century at least, it is likely that early pilgrims and settlers brought the seed with them, either intentionally or unintentionally. There are reports that the dandelion has been used for centuries in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, for a variety of purposes. Even today, the young tender leaves are used much like lettuce, and the plant is also used for wine making, or, in England and Canada, for producing an herbal beer. Medicinally, it has been used to treat skin conditions, arthritis, gall stones, sore throats, and numerous other maladies. It has also been used as a sedative, and a diuretic.

However the lowly dandelion managed to get to the New World, it was utilized widely by native Americans and newcomers alike, who welcomed it as a food source and medicinal ingredient. “Dandelion.” The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation. Web. 22 Feb.2011. < Free herb information - DANDELION Dandelion This information on herbs is provided free from Isabel Shipard's book " How can I use HERBS in my daily life? " "... ..." have been used to indicate omitted text. DANDELION Piss-in-bed, Lion’s Tooth, Puff Ball, Cankerwort, Prince in Paupers Clothing, Royal Herb Taraxacum officinale F. Asteraceae Description Perennial with rosette of leaves to 30cm long. Smooth leaves are bright green with uneven, jagged margins of backward pointing teeth, and for this reason the plant has been given the name dandelion which comes from the French ‘dent de lion’, meaning lion’s tooth.

Hollow flower-stem to 30cm with one terminal yellow daisy, which sets into a puffball-looking seedhead, with fluffy parachutes to carry each seed away in the wind, nature’s way of plant preservation. Dandelion Propagation is by seed, and dandelion will grow under almost all conditions, thriving in dry areas, just as well as it handles the wet conditions. Dandelion will also grow in shade, although this plant family, the daisy, is always considered a sun lover. True dandelion should not be confused with Hawkbit (Leontodon Taraxocoides) or several Cats’ Ears species (Hypochoeris glabra and radicata) which is easily mistaken and is often found in lawns. The identifying points of dandelion are: pointed leaves, only one flower per stem, hollow stems and no hairs on the plant. Note, too, that although some look alike plants are often eaten; long-term use is not advisable. Recently, I had a lady call seeking true dandelion, as it is a valuable herb for horse health. Together with her husband, they run equestrian courses throughout Australia.

She said, false dandelions can cause string holt in horses, which shows as jerky movements, freezing of muscles and seizures, as the kidneys cannot flush out the effect of the weed. Dandelion plants are said to breathe out ethylene gas. Although this can have an inhibiting effect on the growth of some plants nearby, this same gas is utilized by some farmers to accelerate the ripening process of crops. By scattering dandelion seeds under fruit trees, the ethylene gas given off can aid in the early ripening of the crop, which can bring a higher price for fruit early in the season.

Constituents: essential oil, inulin, levulin, choline, taraxacin, mucin, saponins, resin, fatty acids, sugars, pectin, gum, protein 16.5% Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B3, C, E Minerals: rich in calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, selenium, silicon, zinc Actions: diuretic, laxative, choleretic, tonic, stomachic, antioxidant, hepatic, alterative, aperient, anti-inflammatory, cholagogue Medicinal Uses Dandelion is a valuable herb, originating in Europe, but now naturalised in many countries, largely due to wind disposal of the seed. This may be nature’s way of telling us it is readily available for us all to use regularly, as the plants’ properties are so valuable. Dandelion has been a revered herb throughout history, regarded as one of the very best herbs known for gall, spleen and liver complaints, and one of the safest and most active plant diuretics.

The common name Piss-in-bed, which comes from the French word ‘pissenlit’, indicates the herb’s habit of giving the kidneys the urge to expel urine. Women, who find they puff up at the time of menstruation, may get considerable relief from bloating and breast tenderness, by drinking dandelion tea, as soon as they feel these symptoms. A daily tea of dandelion root, or eating the leaves, is recommended for anyone with liver complaints. It can be eaten regularly as a preventative, helping to keep the liver at peak efficiency. As the green leaves are a valuable alkaliser to the body, eaten regularly they assist the body to reduce excess acidity; oxygenate, purify and build blood; cleanse and regenerate cells. The bitter principles stimulate the digestion (by salivation, and the production of stomach acids and enzymes); assist liver, spleen, gall and pancreas function, and make it easier to digest fats and oils. Dandelion has been found to stimulate mucus membranes, sooth the digestive tract, absorb toxins from the bowel, help friendly flora to thrive and inhibit unfriendly bacteria. Eating dandelion regularly has a reputation of relieving diabetes.

The following blend of herbs put in 00 capsules, and one taken after each meal is found to be beneficial: 2 parts dandelion, 1 part fennel, 1/2 part ginger and 1 part elecampane. It is said that dandelion leaves consumed daily in salads can dissolve gallstones. Dandelion is helpful for people who suffer from allergies, eczema and other skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, gout, rheumatism, gall stones, metabolic disturbances, bone disorders, low blood pressure, poor circulation, ulcers, anemia, halitosis (bad breath), constipation, malignant tumors, colds, lowering cholesterol, cardiac edema, heart burn, swollen glands, hot flushes, and as a sleep inducing night cap. Dandelion is a herb with fat metabolising properties. For weight loss several cups of dandelion tea can be sipped daily, adding 1-2 tablesp. of cider vinegar to each cup. Therapeutically, dandelion can be used as leaf or root tea, a tincture, or the fresh leaves blended with vegetables or fruit juices. An infusion of 1 teasp.

of root to 1 cup of water may be prepared and taken freely (several cups a day). Sweeten with honey if desired. 5-6 fresh leaves to 1 cup of boiling water, left to steep 5-10 minutes, can be used similarly. A wash to relieve inflamed eyes and also applied to facial blemishes is made with dandelion leaves, stems and flowers. The white sap from the stems placed on warts several times a day will be a powerful way to tell them to shrivel and disappear. Sometime ago, a lady from Victoria called at the farm and shared with me that a while ago she had been diagnosed with a rare kidney disease and had been given only 2 months to live. The lady told me how upon diagnosis she began eating raw dandelion leaves and roots daily. She cured herself of the disease and was now able to enjoy a holiday in Queensland. Maria Treben in ‘Health through God’s pharmacy’ esteems dandelion for disorders of the pancreas, liver, gall, spleen and blood. From her experiences, she has seen how valuable this humble herb (that most people call a weed), has been to many people who suffer with diabetes.

Besides eating a dandelion salad with two meals daily in spring, Maria encourages the eating of 10 flower stems for 4 weeks to reduce the sugar level in the blood. The stems are chewed slowly and will taste bitter to start with, but the body starts to appreciate it. People, who lack energy and feel constantly tired or sick, will benefit with using dandelion stems for a 14-day course. Dandelion goes into a revered mix for cleansing the kidneys, liver and for cancer treatment. To prepare: take enough dandelion leaves to hold in the ring of thumb and finger, 8 good sized leaves of comfrey, 10 marshmallow leaves (violet or peach leaves can be substituted) 1 large cup full of alfalfa leaves. Place in a blender with two 850g cans of unsweetened pineapple juice and blend. Keep in non-airtight container in the refrigerator. Take 225ml (1cup) morning and evening, chewing before swallowing. Take for 5 weeks; and during this time, take any amount of diluted dark grape juice.

Culinary Uses The highly nutritious, young dandelion leaves are used daily in salads, steamed, added to stir-fries and many other dishes which call for greens. It was a traditional spring cleaning herb, regarded as a valuable blood builder. If leaves are found too bitter, try blanching leaves by covering plants in the garden with a bucket or box, and new leaves that shoot will be pale in colour and mild in flavour. Try steaming older leaves (also called blanching) which will remove the majority of the bitter flavour, and these limped leaves can then be used in salads or other dishes. A tasty salad of dandelion leaves, tossed with olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, chopped chives, parsley and garlic, will be enjoyed by most people interested in natural health. Tossing dandelion leaves and a little vinegar through fried onions, garlic and bacon makes an enjoyable meal, served on toast. Add leaves to omelettes and fritters. Home brewed dandelion beer or wine is another way of getting the benefits of dandelion. Try flowers dipped in batter and fried or flower petals sprinkled in soups.

If dandelions have done well in your garden, self-seeded and produced a bountiful crop of weeds, why not use the roots to make a non-caffeine coffee. Wait until the plants are about 9-12 months old so that the roots are of good size; dig, wash, cut, dry, and then slowly roast in oven until the pieces are a coffee colour. Grind when ready to use. A pinch of salt helps to heighten the flavour and the coffee may be drunk with milk and sweetened with honey. It is said the age of the roots and the length of time roasted has a bearing on the creation of a full coffee flavour. And for a light-hearted story … A man can let his wife know he loves her by giving her a dozen large roses, while his small grandson can do the same with a fistful of dandelion flowers! Perhaps, we all need to appreciate the true value of dandelion. Isabell Shipard’s passion is herbs and sprouts , and she loves to inspire and share the joys and wonders of plants. Her books will truly inspire and help you to see that for health and well-being... Herbs are Special.

Question: Which garden weed takes it's name from the French for tooth of the lion
Answer: Dandelion